Bin and fill systems are an integral part of every farm set up. Feed is a crucial component to the health of livestock. Feed storage containers should be water tight. Camp feed becomes moldy, creating health concerns. It may also clump together and cause problems bridging in the bin. Fill systems are equally important when […]
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Propane and natural gas are the primary heating fuels in poultry farms. They make up the bulk of variable expenses on a farm in a year, and they can get quickly out of hand in the thick of winter. Short of learning to predict the future and weather patterns, or owning your own oil field, […]
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Bush Foot is a secondary bacterial infection caused by some form of defect or penetration of the hoof wall, sole, or heel. Bacteria enters the heel through erosion of the sole, heel, or toe, a sand crack on the wall of the hoof, or through a separation of the wall and sole along the white […]
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2022 brought back what is arguably the most exciting event in the industry, the International Production & Processing Expo. It also brought new COVID strains and the stress of pandemic business, but regardless, spirits remained high as poultry professionals from all walks of life came together. Traffic and attendance were notable reduced as so many […]
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Avian Influenza in North America
Over the past few months, high pathogenic avian influenza has been running rampant across Europe, and now it has arrived in North America, as well. Two farms in Newfoundland, Canada have reported and confirmed cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The first was confirmed on December 22, 2021 and the other just this week. Both farms […]
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The year started out slow with tradeshows. The International Production and Processing Expo, IPPE, was virtual only. Many of the smaller shows were also cancelled or virtual. We were finally able to meet in person at the World Pork Expo in June. It was an exciting and invigorating few days to meet growers and dealers […]
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Egg drop syndrome isn’t often talked about, but can be a problem in broiler breeder or egg laying operations. Primarily a waterfowl disease, egg drop syndrome is caused by an adenovirus, characterized by a fall in egg production or a flock’s failure to reach peak of lay. The disease originated in ducks and was introduced […]
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Discharge Cone Covers Increase House Tightness
The University of Georgia recently conducted research to study how excess leakage in a small area – like along the end wall fans – can impact litter quality, fuel usage, and ultimately bird welfare. Drafts are abundant near the fans on the side or end wall. Birds tend to get sick in these areas and […]
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California Proposition 12 Affects US Cage-free Egg Industry
In 2018, California voters approved Prop 12 – The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative. The proposition requires laying hens, nursing sows, and veal calves be housed in confinement systems that comply with specific standards for freedom of movement, cage-free design, and minimum floor space. The law reaches outside of California by prohibiting any business from knowingly […]
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Minimum Ventilation in Winter Brooding
Minimum Ventilation in Winter Brooding As the weather cools heading into winter, gas prices often rise. It is important to balance heating your barn and maintaining adequate air flow and air quality using minimum ventilation. Ventilation is crucial to providing the ideal environmental conditions for broilers to thrive. In winter months in particular, if you […]
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Keeping Eggs Clean in the Breeder House
The health and well being of broiler birds is contingent on the cleanliness of eggs laid in the breeder house. Optimal eggs are laid in the nest, where they are kept clean from debris and safely transported from the nest to the storage room. Floor eggs are bound to happen, but too many floor eggs […]
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21 Fun Egg Facts for World Egg Day 2021
21 Egg Facts for World Egg Day 2021 1. Eggs are good for your eyes. They contain lutein which prevents cataracts and muscle degeneration. 2. An egg shell can have as many as 17,000 pores. 3. Egg shell and yolk color can vary but have no effect on taste or quality. 4. Breed determines egg […]
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Preventing E.coli Repercussions in Swine Rearing
Preventing E. coli Repercussions in Swine Rearing Escherichia coli can cause serious disease and has frequently been a thorn in the side of the swine industry for many decades. E. coli is not as common in swine as it is in other meat producing industries (such as cattle), but still has a lasting effect on […]
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Safeguard Live Animal Traps are made of Galfan™ wire which has three time the corrosion resistance of standard galvanized wire. These traps last longer, even in harsh conditions. Professional grade catch and release models have a heavy duty bait tray with travel stops. This keeps the bait secure and prevents damage to the cage by […]
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How to Prepare Heaters for Winter
Whether you use brooders or tube heaters, they both need regular maintenance to keep them working flawlessly. Be sure to always unplug and disconnect the power supply and fuel supply, and never work on a hot heater. Be safe this winter. Take care of your heaters. Subscribe to our blog!
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Research Suggests Broiler Breeders Prefer Wooden Nests
Recent research into nesting behavior has shown that nest type influences egg laying location. If nests are uncomfortable or space is inadequate, birds will resort to floor laying. This presents challenges to producers and processors that are in need of clean, damage free eggs. The research has shown that the opposite is equally true – […]
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Nesting Options for Happy Hens
There are several options when it comes to choosing what nesting option is best for your farm. Hens prefer nests that are dark, secluded, warm and comfortable. It is important to create optimum environment for nesting to reduce the risk of floor eggs. Eggs laid outside of the nests are more likely to be contaminated […]
Read More >Grower Spotlight – Brian Hamilton
Brian Hamilton began farming at just six years old. His grandparents raised beef cattle and poultry, and he helped by bottle feeding calves and cleaning chicken drinkers. The love of farming as deeply ingrained. After high school, he accepted a contract to raise hogs and eventually branched into poultry in 2014. Starting small, he bought […]
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Mitigation Key to Sustainability in Poultry Farming
Farmers are often in the spotlight as a target for sustainability practices, and indeed good farming practices across the agriculture industry are needed to ensure a balance between food production and environmental stability. Identifying the best mitigation practices can be challenging, but it certainly requires a holistic approach. These practices could be used across the […]
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